Definition

Noun: 1. A flap attached to a hat or cap, typically one of a pair, designed to cover and protect the ear from cold. This is the primary and most common meaning. An earlap is a practical piece of fabric or fur that can often be tied under the chin or fastened at the top of the head.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • He pulled down the earlaps of his winter hat as the wind grew stronger.
  • The old aviator cap had thick fur earlaps that provided excellent warmth.
  • These earflaps, or earlaps, are detachable for use in milder weather.

Advanced Usage

• The term earlap can sometimes be used interchangeably with earflap, though earflap is more common in modern American English.
• In historical or specialized contexts (e.g., describing traditional Nordic or Russian winter hats), earlap precisely denotes the functional flaps.

Variants and Related Words

• Earflap (n): A synonym for earlap; one of two flaps on a cap for warming the ears.
• Earmuff (n): A separate pair of pads connected by a band, worn over the ears to protect them from cold or noise. (This is a different object but serves a similar purpose).
• Visor (n): The stiff front part of a cap that shields the eyes from the sun. (This is a different part of a hat).

Synonyms

• Earflap
• Ear cover
• Lug (informal, chiefly British)

Notes on Meaning

• Earlap refers specifically to the part of a garment (a hat) that covers the ear. It is not used to describe the anatomical part of the ear itself (the earlobe).
• The word is a compound of ear + lap (in the sense of a loose hanging flap).

Noun

1. one of two flaps attached to a cap to keep the ears warm